The new Jamestown-Scotland ferryboat Powhatan reached a major milestone over the weekend as shipbuilders lowered the vessel into water for the first time.
Saturday’s launch marks the start of the final phase of construction before the boat, which is being built in Pascagoula, Mississippi, undergoes sea trials, the Virginia Department of Transportation said.
Once its passes all tests and mandatory Coast Guard inspections, the Powhatan is expected to join the Jamestown-Scotland fleet this fall.
“This launch brings us one step closer to improving reliability for travelers between Surry County and the Peninsula,” said VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich.
Related coverage: Powhatan ferry takes shape in Mississippi dockyard
The double-ended, steel hull Powhatan can accommodate 70 vehicles and will replace the Virginia, which was built in 1936 and is only able to transport 25 cars, VDOT said.
“More than 900,000 vehicles use the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry every year,” said Christopher Hall, VDOT’s engineer for the Hampton Roads District. “A modern fleet ensures we can continue to meet the future transportation demands of the Hampton Roads region.”
